If you have ever visited a grand buffet of any kind, you have probably experienced the gorging effect— eating so much food in one setting that you are full for hours after. Crab legs, prime rib, Chicken Biryani, potatoes, macaroni, fresh fruit, salad, cheesecake, chocolate cake, ice cream and on and on. One giant meal sustains you for what seems to be a day or two. 

 As I have thought about my spiritual diet, I have come to realize that sometimes I fall prey to the gorge effect. I spend 3 hours in God’s word on Monday – loving every bit of it – but then I fail to abide with God’s word for the next 4 days. I spiritually “gorge” and then fast. Gorge and then fast. I expect my 3 hours with the Lord on Monday to be enough to sustain me for the next 4 days. 

Daily Bread

In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus gives us the way to pray. In this prayer is the phrase: “Give us this day our daily bread.” (v.11)

 It seems God’s plan is not a gorge and fast but rather a daily provision. A day-by-day sustenance with everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4). 

The bread of life

Jesus calls Himself the “bread of life” (John 6:35). Meaning He is essential for life, both presently and eternally. Now and forever more. Everyday Jesus offers the life-giving nourishment we need physically, emotionally, and spiritually to obtain the abundant life He came to provide (John 10:10). Jesus also calls himself “the vine” and us “the branches”. The branches don’t get nourishment once a week from the vine, but every moment of every day. (John 15:5) 

What keeps you from daily bread?

Is there something in the pattern of your life that keeps you from seeking Jesus daily? Maybe God is speaking about a change in your pattern now as you read? Nobody is perfect, and certainly God doesn’t expect perfection, but gorging and fasting on God’s word is not the pattern that will best sustain us. Abiding with Jesus, the bread of life, day by day, is the answer to a growing abundant relationship with God the Father. 

As Christ followers our souls are refreshed as we daily come before the Lord in humble dependance asking Him to provide what we need for the day in front of us. I pray that you find joy, peace, and abundant life as you seek God for your daily provision.  

Growth Point:

God’s best plan for Christians is not to gorge and fast on His word but rather abide with Him daily to receive provision for life and godliness. 

Scripture Point:

Reflect on 2 Corinthians 4:16. 

Action Point:

What thoughts or patterns in your life keep you from seeking your daily bread? What needs to change in your pattern in order to prioritize abiding with Jesus each day? Make a plan to start tomorrow to make time to be with Jesus. 

https://www.gotquestions.org/daily-bread.html